Destination: FRANCE
Things To Know France Today La Belle France Cities, Towns and Villages The French Character Lifestyle Religion Pastimes Pleasures Impressionism Exquisite chocolate confection © AA Photo Library	France Today France was among the first European countries to permanently dispense with its monarchy. Apart from a couple of brief periods, it has been a republic almost as long as the United States. The French Revolution gave a tremendous sense of patriotism to all French men and women, which continues to the present day. Despite the apparently never-ending political ups and downs, French people have a strong sense of national pride and unity; they are essentially one people and one country. Every town and village in France flies the flag (tricolore) with pride, and displays a bust of Marianne in its town hall, the beautiful woman who epitomizes the spirit of France. The French despair of their politicians, grumble at their government and taxation, and are quite capable of unruly demonstrations against the most surprising things, but au fond, at heart, they remain proud and devoted admirers of their country.	COUNTRY Introduction Things To Know Survival Guide TimeLine Essential Info REGION French Riviera CITIES Paris Lyon Nice Strasbourg MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK